Median Pay: $48,140

Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor's degree

Job Outlook: the health education field is expected to grow by 13% by 2029

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

Human Performance Major (B.S.) Requirements (37-39 Credit Hours)

Requires 37-39 semester hours which includes 4 hours of Human Performance Service courses:

PHED 241 History/Philosophy of Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Course is a study from primitive man through the present, with particular emphasis on Greek physical education, European systems, and development of physical education in North America. Includes some research into the history of various sports.

PHED 275 Principles: Elementary Movement Form (3 Credit Hours)

Elementary Movement Form, (F) (3). An experience in discovering the principles behind basic movement forms at the elementary physical education level. Various movement theories and concepts will be explored and examined on the cognitive and kinesthetic bases.

PHED 340 Motor Development (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of an individual’s motor development across the lifespan. Particular emphasis will be placed on the effect physical activity has on growth and development.

PHED 351 Tests and Measurement in Health & Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Evaluating health and physical education by the construction and administration of tests. Emphasizes reliability, objectivity, and validity of tests and grading systems. Students will be required to organize, administer a test, and evaluate and report the results. Prerequisite: students must have junior or senior standing.

PHED 361 Organization & Administration: Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Administration of physical education and athletic programs in schools, with special emphasis on philosophy and leadership styles. Includes budget and finance, office management, curriculum development, facilities, legal factors, and public relations.

PHED 410 Exercise Physiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course details the numerous effects our behavior (exercise, physical activity, inactivity) has on human physiology. Topics of emphasis will be explored at a systems level, integrating the neuromuscular, metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 331 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

PHED 421 Kinesiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to introduce the structures of human anatomy and explain how these structures are involved in human movement. A practical application of these principles will involve hands-on experiences performed on yourself or a partner to enhance the learning of human anatomy. Prerequisite: BIOL 330 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

RECM 350 Recreation Administration & Leadership (3 Credit Hours)

The study of leadership techniques and applications necessary for the delivery of recreation programs, in a variety of leisure settings.

WELL 340 Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine the organization, structure, and function of the human body with a focus on health and physical activity. Students will explore each body system and understand how they coordinate to maintain homeostasis.

4-6 hours of Human Performance Service courses (choose 4, 1-hour courses) from the following:

PHED 111 Beginning Swimming (1 Credit Hour)

This course is an introduction to swimming covering front crawl, backstroke, and breaststroke skills. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to swim each of these three strokes, legally, for 50 yards, and perform and lead stretching routines designed for swimming activity. (Course is for non-swimmers only.)

PHED 112 Intermediate Swimming (1 Credit Hour)

This course is an introduction to swimming covering butterfly and individual medley skills. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to swim each of the four strokes, legally, for 50 yards, and perform and lead stretching routines designed for swimming. Prerequisite: PHED 111 or permission from instructor.

PHED 114 Water Aerobics (1 Credit Hour)

This course is an introduction to water aerobics routines in shallow and deep water. By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to perform these routines for at least 30 minutes and perform and lead stretching routines designed for water aerobics activity.

PHED 116 Yoga (1 Credit Hour)

Yoga relaxes the mind and body, reducing stress and contributing to positive mental and physical health. Basic postures (asana postures), relaxation, and breathing techniques are taught throughout the semester. In this course, you will be introduced to the practice of hatha yoga, a yoga system of physical exercises and breathing control.

PHED 121 Team Sports (1 Credit Hour)

This course is to develop knowledge and increase awareness and appreciation for team sports. Students will learn teamwork and will be encouraged to improve their overall fitness through class activities.

PHED 122 Volleyball (1 Credit Hour)

Students will learn the fundamentals of volleyball. This will include individual and team skills. This class is a beginning-level volleyball course. It will cover all of the fundamentals of play including passing, setting, serving, spiking, defensive techniques, and rules of play.

PHED 132 Golf (1 Credit Hour)

Students are taught the common rules of golf so they will understand and have the ability to explain. Also taught are the proper mechanics and techniques of the golf stroke, the formulation and application of game strategy, and the development of a practical mental approach. Proper game etiquette is demonstrated.

PHED 133 Tennis and Badminton (1 Credit Hour)

Students are taught the common rules of tennis and badminton so they will understand and have the ability to explain. Also taught are the proper mechanics and techniques of both sports, the formulation and application of game strategy, and the development of a practical mental approach. Proper game etiquette is demonstrated.

PHED 134 Personal Fitness & Aerobic Activities (1 Credit Hour)

Course is to develop knowledge and increase student awareness and appreciation for aerobic activities and to encourage students to improve their overall fitness, through class activities, and to continue training throughout their lives.

PHED 135 Conoe and Kayaking (1 Credit Hour)

PHED 136 Weight Training (1 Credit Hour)

Course is to develop knowledge and increase awareness and appreciation for Weight Training. Students will learn techniques and be encouraged to improve their overall fitness through class activities.

RECM 190 Special Topics (1 Credit Hour)

This course is designed to offer different activity courses in Recreation. Examples: hiking and backpacking, adventure racing, climbing, and rappelling.

PHED 192 Lifeguard Training (3 Credit Hours)

Advanced techniques of lifeguarding for water safety and rescue, first aid and safety, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillation (AED). American Red Cross certification (valid for two years) awarded to those who qualify at the end of the course. Prerequisite: successful completion of a swimming skills pre-test taken during the first class meeting.

Human Performance Minor Requirements (21 Credit Hours)

21 semester hours, which must include 15 hours of required courses, plus 6 hours of elective courses (two 3-hour courses): 

Note only one nutrition course may be used to fulfill the elective component of this minor. If both are taken, only the first one may count toward the minor.

PHED 351 Tests and Measurement in Health & Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Evaluating health and physical education by the construction and administration of tests. Emphasizes reliability, objectivity, and validity of tests and grading systems. Students will be required to organize, administer a test, and evaluate and report the results. Prerequisite: students must have junior or senior standing.

PHED 410 Exercises Physiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course details the numerous effects our behavior (exercise, physical activity, inactivity) has on human physiology. Topics of emphasis will be explored at a systems level, integrating the neuromuscular, metabolic, neuroendocrine, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems. Prerequisites: BIOL 331 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

PHED 421 Kinsiology ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to introduce the structures of human anatomy and explain how these structures are involved in human movement. A practical application of these principles will involve hands-on experiences performed on yourself or a partner to enhance the learning of human anatomy. Prerequisite: BIOL 330 or WELL 340, or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

HMPF 441 Exercise Assessment & Prescription ($25 consumable items fee required) (3 Credit Hours)

This course covers laboratory and field tests used for assessing physical fitness components as well as principles of exercise prescription. Test results are used in developing individualized exercise prescriptions to improve cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, body weight and body composition, flexibility, and balance. Prerequisites: PHED 410 or permission from instructor. Fee: $25 consumable items fee required.

WELL 340 Anatomy & Physiology (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine the organization, structure, and function of the human body with a focus on health and physical activity. Students will explore each body system and understand how they coordinate to maintain homeostasis.

Elective Courses, 6 hours:

HMPF 435 Social Psychology of Sport & Human Performance (3 Credit Hours)

An in-depth look at the psychological, as well as some social concerns, of sport and human performance. Topics include motivation, psyching up, team cohesion, exercise adherence, mental imagery, visualization, and exercise and its ability to postpone the effects of aging. The objective of the course is to enable students to comprehend and apply available information to enhance their effectiveness as teachers and coaches.

PHED 275 Principles: Elementary Movement Form (3 Credit Hours)

An experience in discovering the principles behind basic movement forms at the elementary physical education level. Various movement theories and concepts will be explored and examined on the cognitive and kinesthetic bases.

PHED 340 Motor Development (3 Credit Hours)

An examination of an individual’s motor development across the lifespan. Particular emphasis will be placed on the effect physical activity has on growth and development.

PHED 361 Organization & Administration: Physical Education (3 Credit Hours)

Administration of physical education and athletic programs in schools, with special emphasis on philosophy and leadership styles. Includes budget and finance, office management, curriculum development, facilities, legal factors, and public relations.

PHED 420 Physical Education: Exceptional Child (3 Credit Hours)

This course will examine historical and legislative developments of physical education for people with disabilities. Emphasis will be placed on current concepts and trends in adapted physical education as well as the ability to plan and implement a physical education program that meets the unique needs of individuals.

WELL 361* Principles of Nutrition (3 Credit Hours)

This course presents the scientific principles of human nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on the health of the individual as related to food and its assimilation in the human body. Nutrient recommendations for growth and maintenance will be examined in both the average and athletic populations.

Or

WELL 461* Nutrition for Special Needs (3 Credit Hours)

This course will focus on the unique nutritional needs of various special populations. Common topics include diabetes, vegan/vegetarian, menopause, pregnancy, eating disorders, overweight/obesity, children, and the elderly.

*Only one nutrition course may be used to fill elective block.